Culture shock rating

Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.

Low

Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.

Medium

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.

High

You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Low

Physicality

Physical rating

Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.

Low

Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.

Medium

Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

High

Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.

Low

TOUR SNAPSHOT

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Excellent Local Secrets of Bratislava tour with Lukas of Bratislava Urban Adventures

Mr. Neil S., Australia - 29 Sep 2017

Great tour guide, friendly, informative and would definitely recommend thanks!

Ms. KRISTI M., New Zealand - 26 Apr 2017

The places visited were interesting, well selected and showed differend sides of Bratislava, It was great to see both well-known touristic locations like the castle, but also some hidden treasures where one would not have ended up by own. Food on the tour was delicious. The guide was excellent, really enthusiastic and had wide knowledge about the city and it's history. This was a fun evening.

Mrs. Kirsi A., Finland - 18 Apr 2017

Tour snapshot

This Bratislava tour starts with a shot of a local spirit right in the middle of the main town square. Need we say more? Okay fine, just a little more: skip the generic Old Town tours and do this one. Why? Because it’s full of local bites, local sights, and local sips, showing you a side of Bratislava you won’t see with anyone else. Now let’s go.

Forget about generic Bratislava city tours that only go as far as the Old Town, and instead experience the city the way locals live it. Sure, this tour starts in the Old Town, but your guides grew up in Bratislava and want to show you what most tourists don’t see: local pubs, street art, and crowd-free viewpoints. You’ll also eat and drink some beloved local tastes, so there’s that too.

This not-so-typical Bratislava city tour kicks off in the heart of the Old Town, right by the main square, with a traditional Slovak welcome: bread with salt and a small shot of Borovička, a local spirit. We’re not messing around!

We’ll then take a bit of time to explore the best bits of the Old Town. We’ll take a narrow local street up to the Michalská brána tower, which houses a museum of historical weapons and city fortification. It’s also home to a rather epic 360-degree view of the old part of Bratislava. From there, we’ll navigate further into the Old Town, checking out its most historic buildings and its most important Gothic monument.

In amongst the history we’ll stop for a modern taste: locally brewed PUNK beer. In the pub you’ll get to chat more with your guide and learn about their life in Bratislava.

As tempting as it may be to stay at the pub all afternoon, there’s plenty more to see! Your Bratislava city tour continues through one of the oldest thoroughfares in the city, which is (appropriately) home to one of the city’s oldest ruins: Esterházy Palace. From there, it’s off to the tranquil atmosphere of St. Martin’s Cathedral, followed in contrast by one of the most controversial squares in Bratislava, where a Jewish synagogue used to stand (we’ll fill you in on the controversy when you’re there). From the square you’ll be able to spot our next top in the distance: Bratislava Castle.

A busy freeway will separate you from the castle, but don’t worry, it won’t stand in our way; we’ll just walk underneath it! Below the freeway lies a graffiti-laden bus depot, which we’ll head through on our mission to the castle. The rest of the way to the castle will be filled with opportunities to take some really cool photos of the city, as we’ll pass through some rather picturesque locations. One viewpoint is so picture-perfect that we’ll stop there for a picnic with a view. Sample local sausages, cheese, and a homemade biscuit-type pastry called pagáče – you can’t get any more local than this!

Next up: Bratislava Castle. We’ll stop in the main square for a classic photo op, check out the yard, and then head for the trolley — there’s only so much to see at the castle, let’s be honest. Hop on the trolley — how locals get around Bratislava — en route to Horský Park, a beautiful wooded area and favourite spot for locals to go for a wander. Right next door is a hidden monument from WWI, tucked away in a district of the city popular with diplomats and moneymakers.

Opposite the monument is Slavin, the most prominent reminder of WWII in Bratislava. It’s a spot for thought, offering beautiful vistas of every side of the city. Here, we’ll give you a final cultural lesson — in azbuka (you’ll have to join the tour to figure out what that one is) — before heading to the end. Literally. To end your Bratislava city tour, we’re taking you to a pub whose name means funeral. But don’t worry, this hyper-local pub only signifies the end of the tour, where you’ll enjoy a local beverage, mingle with your new friends, and set the tone for the rest of your evening in Bratislava.

Additional information

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation fare, entrance fees, all food and drink described in the itinerary.

Exclusions: All other food or drink other than what’s specified in the itinerary, souvenirs, items of a personal nature, tip/gratuities for your guide.

Dress standard: Please dress appropriately for the weather and for walking.

Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.

Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.

Child Policy: Travellers under 16 years of age are not permitted to join this tour.

Traveller rating

Rating summary

Mr. Neil S. from Australia travelled on 29 Sep 2017

Excellent Local Secrets of Bratislava tour with Lukas of Bratislava Urban Adventures

Ms. KRISTI M. from New Zealand travelled on 26 Apr 2017

Great tour guide, friendly, informative and would definitely recommend thanks!

Mrs. Kirsi A. from Finland travelled on 18 Apr 2017

The places visited were interesting, well selected and showed differend sides of Bratislava, It was great to see both well-known touristic locations like the castle, but also some hidden treasures where one would not have ended up by own. Food on the tour was delicious. The guide was excellent, really enthusiastic and had wide knowledge about the city and it's history. This was a fun evening.